Lighthouses have played a crucial role in maritime history for centuries. These tall towers of light have helped sailors navigate treacherous waters and avoid dangerous coastal obstacles.
Today, many lighthouses have been decommissioned or replaced by modern navigation technology. However they still remain iconic symbols of coastal communities and the sea. In this article, we’ll explore the history of lighthouses, their famous stories, and some notable examples of these structures.
- Origins of Lighthouses
- Role in Maritime History
- ‘Small’ Lighthouses
- Famous Lighthouses and Their Stories
- Collapse of Lighthouses
- Ghosts in the Light
- The Light Goes out
Origins of Lighthouses
The origins of lighthouses can be traced back to the ancient world. The Pharos of Alexandria, built in the 3rd century BC, is often cited as one of the first lighthouses.
Read More: Mysterious Wreck off English Coast Identified as Historic Dutch Warship
This towering structure was built on the island of Pharos in Egypt and was over 350 feet tall. It featured a large mirror that reflected the light of a fire located at the top of the tower. This light could be seen from over 30 miles away and helped guide ships safely into the port of Alexandria.
The Romans also built lighthouses throughout their empire, including one in Dover, England, in the 1st century AD. These structures were typically built of stone and featured fires or lamps at the top to guide ships safely to port.
Role in Maritime History
Throughout history, lighthouses have played a vital role in helping ships navigate treacherous waters. These structures are typically located on rocky coasts or near dangerous shoals where ships are at risk of running aground or colliding with rocks.
By shining a bright light, lighthouses warn sailors of the danger and help guide them safely through the area.
In addition to their navigational role, lighthouses also played an important role in communication. Many lighthouses were equipped with signal stations, allowing sailors to send messages to shore or receive information about weather conditions.
‘Small’ Lighthouses
Small lighthouses, also known as “minor lights,” have played an important role in guiding ships through shallow waters, narrow channels, and inlets. While they may not be as grand as their larger counterparts, these small structures are no less significant, providing vital navigational assistance to mariners in need.
The use of small lighthouses dates back to ancient times. Early civilisations used bonfires and other types of signalling devices to warn sailors of dangerous rocks and shallow waters. As technology evolved, so did the design and construction of lighthouses. Small lighthouses became more prevalent in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Read More: WW2 Shipwreck: Time to Remove 1400 Tons of Explosives
Small lighthouses come in various shapes and sizes, with many having unique features that make them stand out. For example, the Assateague Lighthouse in Virginia, USA, has a distinctive red and white spiral pattern. The Lighthouse at Cape Clear Island in Ireland however features a rounded tower with a bright white exterior.
Some small lighthouses, such as the Anvil Point Lighthouse in England, have a squat, square shape that sets them apart from their more slender counterparts.
Despite their smaller size, many small lighthouses have rich histories and are the subject of numerous legends and stories. The West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Maine, USA, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper. The Gull Rock Lighthouse off the coast of Cornwall, England, is said to have been the inspiration for the classic novel “Toilers of the Sea” by Victor Hugo.
Point Robinson Lighthouse
One example of a small lighthouse with a rich history is the Point Robinson Lighthouse in Washington, USA. Built in 1885, the lighthouse was originally designed to guide ships through the treacherous waters of Puget Sound. Over the years, it served as a crucial navigational aid for ships of all type. These included military vessels during World War II.
In addition to its navigational role, the Point Robinson Lighthouse also played an important role in the community. It served as a hub for social gatherings and events. The keeper’s house, located next to the lighthouse, was used to host community events and provided a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Despite its importance, the Point Robinson Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978, replaced by a more modern navigation system. However, the structure was saved from demolition thanks to the efforts of local residents and preservationists, and it was eventually restored and opened to the public in the 1990s.
Read More: Medal Given to Battle of Trafalgar Hero Aged ELEVEN Auctioned for £15,000
Today, the Point Robinson Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction. It has visitors coming from all over the world to explore its rich history and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. The keeper’s house has been transformed into a museum, featuring exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the lighthouse and its role in maritime history.
Famous Lighthouses and Their Stories
There are countless lighthouses around the world, each with its own unique history and stories. Here are just a few of the most famous lighthouses and the stories associated with them.
Eddystone Lighthouse, England
The Eddystone Lighthouse is one of the most famous lighthouses in the world. It was first built in 1698 on the Eddystone Rocks, located off the coast of Devon, England. The original lighthouse was destroyed by a storm in 1703, killing the lighthouse keeper and his family.
It was replaced by a second lighthouse in 1709, which also suffered from storm damage. This was eventually replaced by a third lighthouse in 1759. The current lighthouse, built in 1882, still stands and is now fully automated.
Heceta Head Lighthouse, USA
The Heceta Head Lighthouse is located on the Oregon coast in the United States. Built in 1894, it is still in operation today and is considered one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse is also rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a woman named Rue. She is said to have died in the keepers’ house in the 1890s.
Bell Rock Lighthouse, Scotland
The Bell Rock Lighthouse is located off the coast of Angus, Scotland. It is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. It was built between 1807 and 1810 and stands on a reef that is only exposed during low tide.
The lighthouse is said to be haunted by the ghost of its designer, Robert Stevenson, who is said to appear on stormy nights.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, USA
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the United States. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in the world, standing at 198 feet tall, and has a distinctive black and white spiral pattern.
Read More: U-Boat “Packed With Gold” Famed Treasure Hunter Has Left Clues
The lighthouse has a storied history, including being moved 2900 feet inland in 1999 due to erosion threatening its foundation. It is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper named Theodosia Burr Alston, who disappeared while traveling by ship in 1813.
Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, Ireland
The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse is located off the coast of County Cork in Ireland and is considered one of the most iconic lighthouses in the world. Built between 1899 and 1904, it was designed to withstand the harsh storms and strong currents of the Irish Sea.
The lighthouse was the site of a tragic event in 1979 when a storm caused the loss of the Fastnet Race, a sailing race that started and ended in Plymouth, England. The disaster claimed the lives of 15 sailors, and the lighthouse played a crucial role in the rescue effort.
Collapse of Lighthouses
While lighthouses are known for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, there have been instances where these structures have collapsed or been destroyed.
One notable example is the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, which suffered severe damage during a storm in 1955, leading to the construction of the current lighthouse.
Another example is the Skerryvore Lighthouse off the coast of Scotland, which was built between 1838 and 1844 and is considered one of the most difficult lighthouses to build due to its location on a remote and treacherous rock formation. Despite being built to withstand the most severe storms, the lighthouse was damaged by a storm in 1954 and had to be repaired.
Ghosts in the Light
Lighthouses have long been the subject of ghost stories and legends, with many people claiming to have had eerie experiences while visiting these structures. While many of these stories are likely the result of overactive imaginations, there are several tales that have persisted over the years and continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Here are a few examples of ghost stories from lighthouses:
The Ghost of Heceta Head Lighthouse
Located on the rugged coast of Oregon, USA, the Heceta Head Lighthouse is said to be one of the most haunted lighthouses in America. Legend has it that the ghost of a former keeper’s wife, known as the “Gray Lady,” roams the halls of the lighthouse. Her ethereal form appearing to visitors in the dead of night. Some say that the Gray Lady is searching for her lost child. Others claim that she is simply keeping watch over the lighthouse that was once her home.
The Haunted Tower of Hook Lighthouse
The Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford, Ireland, is said to be home to the ghost of a former keeper. Some say he died under mysterious circumstances. According to legend, the keeper’s spirit continues to haunt the tower to this day, making strange noises and causing objects to move around on their own.
Read More: USS Johnston the Deepest Shipwreck Ever Found
Visitors to the lighthouse have reported feeling cold spots and hearing eerie whispers. This adds to the eerie atmosphere of this already-spooky structure.
The Ghosts of St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida, USA, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted lighthouses in the world. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions of former keepers and their families. They’ve also claimed of hearing strange noises and feeling cold spots.
One of the most famous ghost stories associated with the lighthouse involves the spirit of a young girl who fell to her death while playing on the tower. Her ghost is said to still haunt the structure, making eerie appearances to those who dare to venture inside.
The Phantom Keeper of Wolf Rock Lighthouse
The Wolf Rock Lighthouse off the coast of Cornwall, England, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper who died in a tragic accident. Legend has it that the keeper’s ghost continues to haunt the lighthouse to this day, appearing to visitors and making strange noises in the dead of night.
Some say that the phantom keeper is simply keeping watch over the structure that was once his home, while others believe that he is seeking revenge for his untimely death.
The Light Goes Out
Lighthouses have played a vital role in maritime history guiding ships safely through treacherous waters or communicating vital information to sailors. While many lighthouses have been decommissioned or replaced by modern navigation technology, they remain important symbols of coastal communities and the sea.
Read More: WW2 Shipwreck: Time to Remove 1400 Tons of Explosives
Famous lighthouses such as the Eddystone Lighthouse in England and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the United States have storied histories and are the subject of numerous legends and ghost stories.
While lighthouses may no longer be essential for navigation, they continue to capture the imagination of people around the world and serve as important cultural landmarks.
